Statement from Sheriff Jeffrey R. Gahler
Thank you for your patience and respect this afternoon. Today is a sad day for the Harford County Sheriff’s Office, and the citizens of Harford County who we are sworn to serve.

It is with great sadness, that I tell you that both deputies shot earlier this morning have succumbed to their injuries.

One deputy was a 30 year veteran of this agency, and served in the Court Services Division. The other deputy had served this agency for 16 years and was assigned to the Community Services Division.

We ask at this time you please offer their families respect and privacy.

Next, we can tell you that in the last few hours we have identified the deceased suspect as David Brian Evans, a 67 year old white male, born on 12/25/1947. Evans had at least two outstanding warrants in two states. One criminal warrant out of the State of Florida for assaulting a police officer and fleeing and eluding. The second is a Circuit Court civil writ issued by the Circuit Court of Harford County.

Preliminary information indicates at least two Harford County Sheriff’s Office deputies fired rounds at the suspect. Both, per protocol, are on administrative leave, pending an investigation. Evidence from multiple crime scenes is currently being processed, that will identify who fired the rounds that struck the suspect. A loaded handgun was recovered from the suspect.

Again, I thank you for your respect and patience during this difficult time. We will have another update tomorrow morning. I will be sure to get you the time and location.

I would also like thank the members of our allied agencies that have responded today to offer their support, as well as County Executive Glassman. The outpouring of support from the community and businesses has been truly humbling. I continue to be proud of the men and women of the Harford County Sheriff’s Office and the community we serve.

5:00 pm update: Sheriff Gahler is sad to announce that both Deputies injured in today’s incident have succumbed to their injuries. ‪#‎HCSO‬

4:15 MEDIA UPDATE: The briefing originally scheduled for 4 p.m. will now be held between 4:30 and 4:45. Thank you for your patience.

2:40 pm update: At 11:46 a.m., deputies were dispatched to the Panera Bread in Abingdon for an investigation.

While inside the Panera, the suspect fired at the deputy, striking him. The suspect then fled the restaurant, and was observed heading to the area of the Parkview Apartments.

A second deputy attempted to make contact with the suspect and was struck by gunfire.

Additional deputies on scene fired at the suspect. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

There are no additional suspects, or any further threat to community safety. No civilians were injured.

We will continue to update as new information becomes available.

1:50 pm update: Sheriff Gahler has concluded the media briefing. Next one scheduled for an hour from now.

1:20 pm update: We will be holding a media briefing at Boston’s Restaurant in the Wegmans shopping center around 1:30. Briefing will be broadcast on Periscope. Follow #HCSO for updates.

Deputies have been involved in a shooting in the area of the Abingdon Wegmans. The PIO is enroute to the scene. We will advise about a staging area when available.